An ownership group led by John McMullen buys the NHL’s Colorado Rockies and moves the team to the New Jersey Meadowlands under the new name, the New Jersey Devils
On May 27, 1982, the National Hockey League’s Colorado ownership group announced that it would relocate to New Jersey, where it would be rechristened ‘The Devils’. Since then, the organization has risen to great success, capturing the Stanley Cup in 1995, 2000, and 2003.
The move marked the end of a difficult and unstable chapter in Colorado hockey history. Originally founded as the Kansas City Scouts in 1974, the franchise struggled financially and on the ice almost immediately, prompting a relocation to Denver in 1976. Despite hopes that the Rockies could thrive in Colorado, poor attendance, mounting debt, and a lack of consistent ownership plagued the organization throughout its tenure. The team made the playoffs just once in six seasons and routinely finished near the bottom of the standings.
New owner John McMullen ultimately spearheaded the relocation to East Rutherford, believing the crowded but lucrative Northeast market offered a stronger long-term future for the franchise.
